Missoula has a lot of great options when it comes to food. But your mind might not go straight to breakfast when someone asks you about the best places to eat around town. Whether you're in from out-of-town or you're on the go and in need of starting your day with some sustenance, Missoula has plenty to offer for what mom always preached was the most important meal of the day.

What are the best breakfast spots in Missoula?

Everyone has a favorite! What's your "go-to" place when it comes to starting the day with a full belly? From eggs and bacon to pastries and pancakes, we're highlighting some of the favorite places around town when it comes to breakfast.

MARKET ON FRONT
201 E. Front St.

Photo: Google Maps
Photo: Google Maps
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Self-described as an artisan grocery store, coffee shop, and deli in the heart of downtown Missoula. Check out a breakfast burrito or a breakfast bowl to start the day.

Yelp review: The smoky pig breakfast sandwich was absolutely amazing! The cappuccino was also good. I'd highly recommend this place and we will most definitely be back!


GOLDEN YOLK GRIDDLE
200 W. Pine St.

They started with a breakfast sandwich stand at the Clark Fork Market. Ten years later their popularity led to a spot downtown. If you plan a visit, keep in mind they're only open until 2 PM daily.

Yelp ReviewThis was an amazing spot... quick, delicious, convenient, local, great ingredients. Yerba mate latte was one of the best I've ever had! Also got the breakfast burrito, breakfast scramble platter, and the waffle! Wow, the waffle was crispy and amazing.


RUBY'S CAFE
2101 Regent St.

Photo: Google Maps
Photo: Google Maps
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When they're not the location for a thrilling shootout with Kevin Costner and the gang from Yellowstone, Ruby's is serving up food including the Farmer's Skillet. It has home fries topped with ham, bacon, peppers, onions, tomatoes, hollandaise, and eggs your way.

Yelp review: I love the old diner feel of this place! I usually go early and you can always find the local regulars sitting at the bar having their coffee. The wait staff are so nice and always make sure coffee cups are full! Portions are big and food is great.


LAUGHING GRIZZLY BAR & GRILL
2300 W. Broadway

You know it's good when a dish on the menu is named The Hangover! The only bad news about ordering that is you'll be missing out on ordering the Griz Benedict or the Bear Pie. Tough call!

Yelp Review: The Laughing Grizzly serves all meals, but you have to try the breakfast! We went on a Sat. morning, were seated right away by a friendly waitress that made sure we always had coffee in our mugs. The food was excellent and the service was fantastic!


VEERA DONUTS
617 S. Higgins Ave STE 2

Veera is one of those places where people somehow know about it before they've ever eaten there. The next time you have company in town ask them where they want to grab breakfast from and there's a good chance they'll say "I've heard about the donut place in town....." The donuts are big and delicious but they also have breakfast burritos and more.

Yelp Review: This place is fantastic, it makes me want to take pictures to show my local vegan donut establishment just so I can encourage them to step up their game. I've been hearing about this place 3 states away and knew I had to have it when I came to visit. In fact, I stayed an extra night in Missoula as they were closed on Mondays and I knew I couldn't come to town and leave without trying this.


THE BREAKFAST CLUB
1132 SW Higgins Ave

Photo: Google Maps
Photo: Google Maps
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Can you really have a list of breakfast places and not include a spot named The Breakfast Club? You can order burritos or scrambles but the fun is in the specialty burritos that are all named after characters in the movie from which The Breakfast Club gets its name.

Yelp Review: Awesome biscuits and gravy and their breakfast burritos are HUGE. Awesome, fast, delicious. What more can you ask for?


CRACKER BARREL
2929 Expo Pkwy

Sure, it's a chain restaurant serving up all-day breakfast. But sometimes you just want breakfast at 8 PM from a place that also features a country store! Get the Grandma's Sampler so you can try a little bit of everything!

Yelp review: I like everything I've ever had at Cracker Barrel although I do have my favorites. The pancakes are amazing and the hash brown casserole is a must-try. If you like dessert you will love the coke a cola chocolate cake.


PAUL'S PANCAKE PARLOR
2305 Brooks St.

The next time someone asks if you know of any mom-and-pop restaurants around town that are famous for their 18 different varieties of pancakes you can say, "actually, I know just the spot!" It's a Missoula favorite that's locally owned and operated with breakfast served all day. You're sure to find a new favorite that'll keep you coming back.

Yelp review: Paul's breakfast offerings are widespread and everything we had was delicious. Be sure you take your appetite because they'll help you conquer it!


LIQUID PLANET GRILLE
1025 Arthur Ave

Photo: Google Maps
Photo: Google Maps
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If you've never been, the Liquid Planet locations around Missoula do feature more than just "liquids." But for the most part, you'll only find sandwiches and other small breakfast items. The Liquid Planet Grill, however, is a different story altogether. We're talking about a full made-to-order, sit-down restaurant with full plate breakfast options. The Morning Glory Sandwich is where it's at!

Yelp review: Great spot for breakfast or lunch. Yummy breakfast selections - the Morning Glory breakfast sammie or more traditional bacon and eggs are filling.  If you are staying a while, have the bottomless cup of coffee.


THE OXFORD SALOON
337 N. Higgins Ave

The Oxford is a piece of Missoula history. As their Facebook page says, "The Oxford Saloon and Cafe located in the heart of downtown Missoula was established in 1883 and is open 24 hours a day, all through the year. The Ox has been open 24 hours a day for so many years that there are no keys for the entrances." Well, no keys and not closing means good news when you want some chicken fried steak and JJ gravy after leaving one of Missoula's downtown bars in the early morning hours!

Yelp review: Drinking and having breakfast, yes please! Have to visit this place at least once if you are in Missoula! The charm is absolutely fantastic!


THE CATALYST CAFE & ESPRESSO

111 N Higgins Ave

Located in the heart of downtown Missoula, The Catalyst can claim the honor of being Montana's first coffee cart. They offer choices for vegetarians and vegans and serve breakfast all day. Try sitting in the balcony for a bit of a metropolitan feel and of course, order a cup of coffee.

Yelp review: We stumbled upon Catalyst as we were strolling through downtown and SO glad we picked it as our brunch spot! Everything we had (salad, soup, granola, egg sandwich and a couple of sides) was super delicious. I am very sensitive to gluten and they had or can make almost any dish gluten free! The service was very friendly. Highly recommend!!


SCOTTY'S TABLE

131 South Higgins Avenue, Unit P3

Credit: Google Maps
Credit: Google Maps
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For those who love brunch and really top-notch cuisine, you have to visit Scotty's Table, located in the lower level of the Wilma building. You'll find a range on their brunch menu, from the elegant to the familiar, and a dining room with gorgeous details that echo the historic design of the Wilma Theater. In warmer months, the patio opens to Caras Park which offers popular events like the Farmers Market, Out to Lunch, and Downtown ToNight.

Yelp review: Visiting our family here in Missoula, we decided to have brunch at Scotty's Table. We arrived at 9:20am (10 mins before they opened) We didn't have a reservation, but the hostess said she would have something for our party of 6. My husband mentioned that the coffee smelled great, so we were seated and had coffee within minutes of getting there even though we were early. Our waitress, Mackenzie, was equally friendly and professional. The food was outstanding! We had omelets, pancakes, shakshuka and chicken fried steak.  Everything tasted wonderful and was thoughtfully prepared. I highly recommend Scotty's. We felt welcomed and so comfortable. I am sure we'll be back again and again!


BURNS ST. BISTRO

1500 Burns St.

A relatively new favorite, the Burns St. Bistro is located on the north side of Missoula and already has gotten national attention by appearing in an episode of "I Hart Food" on the Food Network. Burns St. Bistro offers breakfast on weekdays and brunch on weekends and their food offers creative flavors that are crowd-pleasing. Patrons champion the family-friendly foods and atmosphere.

Yelp review: This place screams MISSOULA. It is quirky and unique in every way. They have a rotating menu of crazy concoctions that I highly suggest you try. The service is very friendly and that always a huge bonus. Give it a try to say you experienced something uniquely Missoula, if nothing else. Ps- sit outside and enjoy the patio and Mountain fresh air.


What would you add to the list?

Of course, this is nowhere close to all the great breakfast options in Missoula! Just think of these as a few places to get the list started. What would you consider a must-visit breakfast place in town?

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